Herb Greene was born on April 3, 1942, in Indio, California, but his formative years were spent in Medford, Oregon, where his father ran a pear orchard. His early life was shaped by the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest and the influence of his parents. His father, a traveling fruit salesman, instilled in him a sense of independence, while his mother, a homemaker with artistic leanings, encouraged his creativity. From a young age, he showed an interest in drawing, a talent his mother nurtured. However, it wasn’t until high school that photography entered his life. A teacher, recognizing his artistic sensibilities, suggested that he pick up a camera. He took the advice seriously and purchased a 1959 Ikon Contaflex, a moment that would set the course for his life’s work.

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